The Secret To A Healthier Life: Yoga and Meditation

Seems like yoga and meditation do more than help you unwind. By Claire Ang

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Mind-body interventions (MBIs) such as yoga and meditation, have been known to help you relax. But it seems that they even have the ability to prevent diseases.

According to a study by the universities of Coventry and Radboud published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, MBIs have the power to ‘reverse’ the molecular reactions in your DNA that causes ill health and depression.

When dealt with a stressful situation, your sympathetic nervous system (the system responsible for your fight-or-flight response) is triggered, which increases the production of a molecule that regulates how your genes are expressed. The molecule will activate the genes to produce a type of protein that causes inflammation at a cellular level. This is useful as temporary fight-or-flight reaction, but if it’s persistent, it can lead to a higher risk of cancer, accelerated ageing, and even psychiatric disorders like depression.

However, researchers of the study found that people who practised MBIs had a decrease in the production of both the molecule and the protein. It reverses the pro-inflammatory gene expression pattern, reducing the risk inflammation-related diseases and conditions.

So if yoga or meditation isn’t a part of your weekly routine yet, it’s time to om your way to better health.